MLS Schedule Change FAQ

Beginning in the summer of 2027, Major League Soccer will adopt a summer-to-spring season format, marking one of the most significant developments in the league’s history.

What is the change MLS is making to the calendar?

• Major League Soccer is making a shift in its competition calendar, aligning the league’s schedule with the world’s top soccer leagues.

• Starting in July 2027, the MLS regular season will kick off in mid-July and conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in late May.

• Like other major international leagues, MLS will take a winter break that will see a limited number of games played in December, no games played in January, and a limited number of games played in February, very similar to our current MLS footprint.

How does this affect the 2026 season?

The 2026 MLS Regular Season is unaffected.

What are the benefits of the new calendar?

• The new calendar offers several key benefits, and is just the first announcement of Major League Soccer’s strategic sporting strategy.

• Align with the FIFA International Match Calendar: Developed in consideration of the FIFA international match calendar, the new calendar will significantly reduce conflicts between MLS league matches and national team call-ups for players, particularly during summer tournaments.

• Elevate the Playoffs: The new calendar offers prime placement for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in May, delivering ideal timing and weather for the pinnacle of the MLS season, uninterrupted by FIFA international match windows.

• Optimize the Global Transfer Market for Players: Aligning with global schedules allows MLS clubs to participate more effectively in the world’s primary transfer window, improving opportunities to acquire and transfer top talent.

• Maximize Player Signings: With the majority of global player transfers occurring in the summer, participation in the most active transfer window will now enhance, rather than disrupt, a team’s ambitions for the season. With marquee players joining in the summer window, the new calendar allows MLS teams to fully acclimate summer transfers before the MLS regular season and cup competitions begin.

When this transition takes place, how will MLS fill the gap between the end of the 2026 season in December, and the 2027-2028 season starting in July 2027?

• During the 2027 transition year, MLS will play a condensed 14-game regular season from February to April, followed by the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup presented by Audi in May.
• This ensures ongoing competition and determines qualification for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.

How will MLS handle weather conditions in cold-weather cities?

• Schedule modeling shows that 31 of 34 MLS matchdays (91% of regular season games) will fall within the dates of the current 2025 MLS season footprint. This means minimal adjustments for fans and players.

• Schedule modeling also ensures that only a limited number of games will be played in December and February, with none in January. For those select matchdays in December and February, scheduling will maximize warm-weather markets while adhering to general scheduling principles that limit the number of consecutive road games.

• Consistent with current practices, MLS will continue to create a schedule that contemplates the experience of fans, staff and players, including scheduling games earlier in the day (during daylight hours) in northern climates in the colder months, and scheduling matches later in the evening in southern climates in summer months.

How long will the winter break be?

• Regular season play will pause in mid-December and no games will be played in January, before matches resume in early-to-mid February.
• The specific length of the winter break is still being discussed with key constituents.
• Importantly, following a rest period in the mid-winter break, players will have an appropriate training and preparation period prior to the resumption of regular season matches.

How will this calendar shift impact other competitions (Concacaf Champions Cup, U.S. Open Cup, Canadian Championship and Leagues Cup)?

• The calendar shift does not impact Major League Soccer’s commitment to national and international Cup competitions.
• MLS will coordinate with the organizing committees of each tournament to ensure scheduling alignment.

What do Season Ticket Members Need to Know About the Schedule Change?

What does this mean for my 2026 Season Ticket Membership?

There are no changes to the 2026 season. Your tickets, benefits and payment schedule will remain the same, and the season will continue to follow the current February to December calendar.

What does this mean for my 2027 Season Ticket Membership?

Your Season Ticket Membership, for the 2027 MLS Season, will consist of a “Dual Season” which will span from January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028 and includes both the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, which runs from February through May 2027, and the inaugural 2027-28 MLS Regular Season, which runs from July 2027 through May 2028.

Your membership will include 25 total home matches in 2027-28, consisting of:

- 7 MLS Sprint Season home matches

- 17 MLS Regular Season home matches

- 1 additional game played at the Stadium (for example, a domestic or international competition, tournament, friendly or other Galaxy club-designated event)

Similar to previous years, the first payment for the 2027-28 Dual Season will be due on September 15, 2026. To align with the 18-month Dual Season, monthly payments will be spread across 17 months instead of the standard 12-month payment schedule.

Beginning with the 2028-29 MLS season, Season Ticket Memberships will return to a standard 12-month term, which will run from July 1 through June 30 for each year going forward.

Will there be a Season Ticket Member gift?

Yes! Your Season Ticket Membership will continue to include an exclusive Season Ticket Member gift.

Eligibility requirements and deadlines will apply. Additional details will be communicated at a later date.

What if I have a Suite or Cabana Multi-Year Agreement?

To accommodate this calendar change, members with Suite or Cabana multi-year agreements will have two options:

• Option 1: Align with the 2027-28 Dual Season

• Option 2: Maintain your current agreement

Season Ticket Members with specific questions about their Season Ticket Membership are encouraged to contact their Service Executive. We are here to help Season Ticket Members navigate this exciting change.